Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1819 – 1905)

English Artist Known for His Lifelong Attachment to Animals

Tait was born in Livesey Hall near Liverpool, England. At eight years old, because his father went bankrupt, he was sent to live with relatives in Lancaster. It was during this time that he became attached to animals, a theme that would define his artistic career.

Later, in Manchester, Agnew & Zanetti Repository of Art acquired Arthur Tait, who began self-learning to paint as a twelve-year-old boy. His early work consisted mostly of reproduced lithography pieces displayed at Agnew’s exhibitions. In 1838, he left the Agnew lithography reproduction business to marry.

Early Life and Education

• Born in 1819 at Livesey Hall, Liverpool
• Sent to Lancaster at age eight due to his father’s bankruptcy
• Developed a lifelong attachment to animals during his childhood
• Self-taught painter, starting at age twelve

Career Beginnings

• Worked with Agnew & Zanetti Repository of Art in Manchester
• Produced reproduced lithography for exhibitions
• Left the lithography business in 1838 to marry